Curious & Courageous Kids

academic and learning potential

Words by: Joanna Kleovoulou
Clinical Psychologist and Founder of the PsychMatters Centre

Developing and building a child’s character, confidence, motivation and ownership of themselves and their schoolwork are very much dependant on parental input – take these steps to help your child tap into their own academic and learning potential.
Even if academic success is not a top priority, your childís ability to learn and gain confidence in their abilities contributes to their overall well-being, which in turn impacts their resilience and ability to be independent and well-rounded contributors to society one day.

Here are a few ways to boost their learning potential:

Be your child’s biggest cheerleader

Self-belief permeates all area of a child’s life. Helping build your child’s self-esteem means they can face adversities head on and bounce back from perceived failures with the confidence to try again. To help your child dip into their self-confidence in a fun way, why not support the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund by purchasing the iMatter for a Confident ME! activity book from the PsychMatters Centre?

Show interest in their schoolwork

Take the time to go through their textbooks and assignments and ask questions about what they enjoyed or learnt. Put your hand up where possible to be a class-parent/assistant to show support and indirectly observe your child in their learning setting.

Hone in on their talents

Support an interest and skill they appear to be good at as this will build their sense of competence in the world and give them something to hold on to when having to face struggles in other areas.

Teamwork

Working as a team at home, with teachers, academic learner support, and the community (including your child’s play therapist, occupational therapist and paediatrician if they are requiring further support) are all puzzle pieces in learning and development.

Notice progress rather than just outcomes

In a world where achievement and success is rewarded, it is vital that parents and teachers notice that each child is unique and that success is not just measured by getting 80% in school tests, but also in other areas such as determination, progress, goodwill and character.

Goal setting

Goals help build motivation towards a target and teaches children about healthy and unhealthy choices that steer away from the goal. Avoid getting over-involved and controlling – rather focus on choices. Sometimes the best life lessons come from failures or learning how not to do something.

Encourage and reward reading

Research shows that early reading is key to a child’s success in school, and it begins at home. This also builds connection through bonding time and leaves your child feeling secure.

Don’t do your child’s work for them

Doing this denies your child the practice that they need, the responsibility of taking care of an assignment and the satisfaction that comes with completing it.

Find teachable moments

Even mundane routines can be opportunities for learning. Give your child permission to ask why they do the things they’re asked to do.

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